Hardcore gamer Kwon Yu (JI Chang-wook) wastes his life away playing video games at internet cafes. But after he returns a lost phone, he is arrested and given life imprisonment for sexually assaulting and murdering a minor. With the help of his online team mates, he has a chance to clear his name. As they dig into his case, they uncover a massive plot and a shadowy organization that puts innocent people to prison on behalf of powerful men in the country.

Review:

do I begin? The plot of the movie is reminiscent of familiar Hollywoods movies we have seen before, but the execution of this particular film is worth commending. An average Joe kind of guy gets framed for a heinous crime he did not commit, and sets out to clear his name, even if the price to pay is high.

This film seems to be set beyond our current day, with high end cutting edge technology orchestrating the whole film. Besides being promised adrenaline-fueled action scenes in the trailer, there were some emotionally driven scenes which I felt that Ji Chang Wook's acting shone through. The comedic element in the movie is also commendable, drawing some laugh out loud moments from the audience. The movie starts on a high and ends on the same note, and I felt that the title of the movie was highly appropriate. The lies and stories are so well fabricated and planned out, that the line between reality and deception is blurred.

Overall I enjoyed this movie more than I should have, and was thoroughly satisfied.

Harry Potter fans, hope you have caught some beast?
POPUAR recently releases the updated
edition of J.K. Rowling’s Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander in its retail outlets in Singapore. Hurry catch them before they are gone!!!

This collectible hardback updates the original book with
new content that reflects exciting developments of the Wizarding World. Six new magical
creatures lurk within, and Newt Scamander delivers a new foreword that hints of the
Magizoologist’s adventures and relationships.

This essential companion to the Harry Potter stories will also bring a beautiful line of
illustrations from artist Tomislav Tomic. To achieve a more cohesive look, Jonny Duddle was
also engaged to create a new jacket design that complements the covers of the Harry Potter
novels, as well as the new look for Quidditch through the Ages and The Tales of Beedle the
Bard.

POPULAR has always been the go-to bookstore for fans of the Wizarding World with its
Pre-Order Programmes and celebratory activities. Most notably, POPULAR held an exclusive
Great Hall Private Party in line with the release of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and
also included a similar component in the BookFest@Singapore 2016 activities lineup

Special thanks to Clover Films for an invite to this exhilarating
and heart pounding movie, starring Andy Lau as the bomb disposal expert who
works with the Hong Kong Police Force. Here’s a movie that sets you thinking
about your life’s work and how far you would go to fulfil your responsibilities.
In the case of the protagonist, Cheung Choi-san (Andy Lau), he is certainly
grateful that he is in a position to protect lives with his life.

Cheung is a fearless cop who draws admiration for his strong
sense of righteousness and sacrificial actions, even to the point of risking his
own life. Seven years ago, Cheung was an undercover cop and had successfully
disintegrated a gang of robbers, which include a pair brothers, Blast and his
younger brother, Biao. Biao was arrested and Blast, the prime criminal, felt
betrayed. Seven years later, Blast is out for revenge, creating havoc on the
streets and roads of Hong Kong with bomb threats and armed gang to hold hostage
of hundreds of innocent lives trapped in the Cross-Harbour Tunnel.

The tension of the movie builds up as negotiations between
Cheung and Blast fell to the whims and fancies of Blast and all Cheung could do
was to race against time to save the innocent, minimise the impact of the
crisis and even to dispose an active grenade off his girlfriend, Carmen.

Watch how Cheung approaches each challenge tactfully and steadily
as the time ticks away. Be stirred by the emotional and adrenaline-pumping scenes
that resulted from the ruthless and rash acts of Blast, including the execution
of 1000kg of C-4 explosives to blow up the Cross-Harbour Tunnel!

Be dazzled by this revamped brightly-lit, classy and modern
European-Peranakan style Ellenborough Market Café that is located in Swissotel,
Merchant Court, right next to Clarke Quay MRT.

Slip into a relaxing day/evening at Ellenborough Market Café with family, friends and colleagues while delighting in a melange of local and
Peranakan favourites that spreads out from one end to the other end of the
spacious restaurant!

The thoughtful Ellenborough Market Café has specially planned
out an exciting line of dining promotions for the coming months as well as special
occasions like Easter and Mothers’ Day.

Extensive selection of food available at the buffet

The uniqueness of Ellenborough Market Café lies in its Straits Chinese heritage.

However, you will still find some of your favourite salads, Japanese sushis or Western dishes!

Seafood
indulgences

Penang Laksa live station.

Live stations where food is freshly
prepared accordingly to your preferences.

All-time favourite – Muah Chee

Colourful
and appetising desserts to complete your meal

The legendary Durian Pengat that every durian lover can’t
miss!

This
April, Ellenborough Market Café is featuring its irresistibly
succulent U.S. Prime Ribs of Beef,
served with the accompaniment of Yorkshire Pudding, Roast Herbs Potato and
Vegetables - an ultimate pick for meat lovers! The medium-rare prime rib is
sliced into chunky bite size, which accentuates the tenderness and natural
sweetness of the meat. Be sure to dip it into the perfectly seasoned au jus
that is served on the side in a separate dish!

U.S Prime Ribs of Beef

In May, the
restaurant features not one type of Foie
Gras, not two but three types in one serving! Indulge in this tasty delicacy
to your heart’s content as the chef prepares it in three ways; Five Spice
Dusted Seared Foie Gras with Mango Relish, Balsamic Reduction, Foie Gras Mousse
with Port Wine Jelly and Foie Gras Terrine with Grape Compote. Each of this has
its unique texture and the pairing with its accompaniments adds an extra zest
to the Foie Gras.

My favourite was Five Spice Dusted Seared Foie Gras with Mango
Relish. It is browned, savoury and crusty on the outside but soft and flavourful
inside. Whereas, the Foie Gras Mousse tastes lighter, creamier and the
sweetness from the Port Wine Jelly complements it very well. The texture of the
Foie Gras Terrine with Grape Campote is very smooth and the flavour wise, in my
opinion, was the most intense of all three.

Dig into this piquant Kam Hiong Crab, and you may like to ask
for a some more of this tasty sauce if you find yourself polishing off every
bit of it off the shell. This hot and fragrant crab is cooked up using both
Malay and Chinese spices, giving it an aromatic and slight-spicy kick. Apart
from the enthusiastic struggle of cracking open the shells, the flesh is firm,
fresh and tantalising; truly enjoyable!

Crispy Soft Shell Crab

Now you see it, soon you don't! This Crispy Soft Shell Crab is
very well-executed and crunchy. Eating this is akin to snacking. It was so
delicious and we can’t help going back for more. If you like, you may top it up
with some tangy sweet chilli sauce!

Ginger Scallion Flower Crab Bee Hoon

This culinary mix is heavenly. The bee hoon is smooth and flavoursome
as it has fully absorbed essence of ginger and crab from the broth. Tip: You
may like to remove the crab meat from the shells before you devour in this
Flower Crab bee hoon, so you get to enjoy it fully without worrying about small
pieces of shells that may lie around in the noodles.

We can only imagine how much more exciting it will be to
attend the Amazing Crab Feast in June!

As Mother’s Day is approaching, every Mum who dines at
Ellenborough Market Café Mother’s Day Special Brunch, will receive a premium
Buddha Jumps Over The Wall delicacy!

Don’t miss out these attractive promotions!

3-30 April 2017: U.S. Prime Ribs
of Beef (S$68 dinner buffet) available daily.

Keeping oneself cool and hydrated in this sweltering weather in Singapore is becoming increasingly vital lately… What if we tell you that you can now enjoy a quenching cup of bubble tea that contains an assortment of wellness benefits? Each A Cup’s founder has passionately researched both local and Taiwan markets to craft a series of tasty yet healthier bubble tea to suit Asia’s taste buds, bringing together top quality ingredients and preparation techniques!

At the media tasting event, we were even informed of the various food pairing options that could further enhance the entire eating experience. Try them out and see for yourselves! Here is a list of 10 recommended drinks from Each A Cup!

1.Golden Buckwheat tea (suggestion: pair with Curry puffs)

We had our Golden Buckwheat tea served with 20% sugar and it tastes light, earthy and refreshing. Buckwheat contains a bioflavonoid called ‘rutin’ that helps fight off free radical, as a result, it can help people suffering from high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis and prevent different types of cancer.

In addition, Buckwheat cleanses, strengthens the intestines and improves appetite. Being high in protein, it is commonly use to substitute meat, hence ideal to reduce the amount of cholesterol intake.

Craving for the aroma of vegetal Japanese tea? Have a cup of hot Sakura Green Tea! For those who want to cool down from the scorching weather, the cold Sakura Green Tea contains that sweet and minty flavour that uplifts the senses.

Green tea is high in anti-oxidants, helping to prevent a number of degenerative and age-related diseases. It is also one of the least processed tea in the market, preserving the natural chemicals in tea called polyphenols. It provides anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic effects. Caffeine is a key active ingredient in green tea, which helps improve the mood, boosts vigilance, reaction time and memory. With its amino acid L-theanine present, green tea also helps reduces anxiety.

3.Fresh Lemon Lime Juice (suggestion: pair with Roti Prata)

Complement this classic drink with ‘Ai-yu Jelly’ as the topping for a pleasantly sweet-sour and soothing drink! Lemons help boost immunity, detox, heal canker sores and freshen breath. High in vitamin C and notable for its citric acid, calcium, magnesium, bioflavonoids, pectin and limonene, lemons help fight infections and strengthen immunity. It also possesses antibacterial and antiviral properties. It is the beverage to go for after an oily meal.

4.Pu-Erh Chrysanthemum Tea (suggestion: pair with Dim Sum)

This clever mix of Pu Erh and Chrysanthemum tea gives traditional herbal teas a new spin! With the infusion of Chrysanthemum tea, the bitterness of Pu-Erh mellows, creating a delightful balance. A good drink to counter those stressful days.

Pu-Erh is credited for its health benefits such as reduction of cholesterol levels, inhibition of tumour growth and diabetes. Whereas the presence of Vitamin C and antiviral properties in Chrysanthemum tea aids in easing heaviness in head during cold, provide relief in sinusitis discomfort and counter viral infection, providing relief. Chrysanthemum tea is also a natural coolant, lowering body temperature during a fever or even heat stroke. Other benefits of this light yellow floral tea are detoxification of the liver, lowering of cholesterol levels, rejuvenating the brain, alerting the senses as well as high amounts of B carotene that is good for treating skin problems, deter aging process and strengthens immunity.

Here’s something citrusy that stimulates appetite and ward off colds! The Korean Citron Juice with 20% sugar is delectable, pulpy and smooth. Unlike many citron teas that carries a hint of bitterness, this mix at Each a Cup is pleasantly sweet.

The leaves of Yuzu trees are effective in curing common cold and its rich content of Vitamin C helps relieves sore throats.

If Fresh Lemon Lime juice is a tad too sour for your taste buds, the honey lemon juice with Ai-yu jelly is a good alternative to go for! You can either order it warm or cold. Honey lemon beverages are commonly known to relieve cough and sore throat. At Each A Cup, you can enhance the refreshing taste by adding texture to your drink! Sip on, with the soft gelatin-like textured Ai-yu that literally flows down your throat to provide that extra soothing sensation.

Apart to the nutritional value of lemons, honey is an excellent source of antioxidants and flavonoids that helps reduce the risk of some cancers and heart diseases. Furthermore, the mixture of fructose and glucose present in honey helps to regulate blood sugar levels.

For this drink, we had it with 70% sugar and the drink was so fine and satisfying. This rejuvenating drink reminds you of lemon tea but it’s infused with the elusive and pleasing taste of bergamot oil, coming from the earl grey tea.

Earl Grey tea is a relaxant that allows the body to be relaxed and soothed instantly (We can imagine sipping this on a stressful day at work.) At the same time, Earl Grey tea aids in alleviating symptoms of colic, nausea and other intestinal problems. With its citrus extract, it has been popularly sought after for its weight loss effects. Being a source of fluoride, Earl Grey tea also helps to keep teeth strong and cavity-free.

8.Purple Plum Tea with Ai-Yu (suggestion: pair with Pasta)

In a sip, we instantly fell in love with this mix. This tea is a combination of two TCM herbs, namely Roselle and Hawthorne. The result is a cup of refreshing goodness that is smooth, sweet and delicious!

Hawthorne helps to ease cardiac muscle contractions as well as decrease blood pressure, thus increasing exercise tolerance and act as a protection against congestive heart failure. It also promotes digestion. On the other hand, Roselle tea is low in calories and is a good substitute for sweeter beverages. It is rich in vitamins A, B2, B3 and C. With the presence of the vitamins, it boosts the immune system and improves blood flow.

9.Fresh Plum Lime Juice (suggestion: pair with Hokkien Mee)

This is my personal favourite out of the 10 amazing selection! We love how the fresh plum and fresh lime juices are perfectly fused. Top it with the signature black pearls to add some chewiness and fun!

Limes are rich in vitamin C and holds antibacterial and antifungal properties. It can help to lower the risk of diabetes, heart disease and obesity, while improving complexion, hair and boost energy levels. Blending plums with limes in a drink is sure to aid in digestion and ease congestion.

This hydrating and slightly minty milk tea is invigorating. Be sure to pick this drink over other milk teas for the wealth of benefits that it brings. Rooibos tea contains a wide variety of antioxidants that protects the body in numerous ways. It is rich in two polyphenol antioxidants, aspalathin and nothofagin, which helps to fight free radicals.

It is caffeine-free and contain high mineral content, hence known for its calming properties. Another antioxidant, called Chysoeriol in Rooibos Tea helps improve circulation by preventing activity of the enzyme that triggers cardiovascular disease. It lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, on top of that, it supports the body in absorption of iron. Rooibos Tea is ideal for people who suffers from asthma, skin issues, eczema, insomnia, weak bones and hypertension.

Who says bubble tea is just a fad? It can be thoughtfully crafted with loads of wellness benefits to be uncovered, just like those at Each A Cup! Next time we have our favourite local food, we’ll know what are the ideal beverages to pair with!

National Junior College - 37 Hillcrest Road, Singapore 288913

Pushing the boundaries of innovation, the new Galaxy S8 and S8+ bring a new level of functionality and convenience to users, while opening up a galaxy of possibilities. With a range of Samsung companion devices and services that seamlessly complement the new Galaxy S8 and S8+, users can discover new ways to explore, experience and interact with their world.

Gear VR with Controller

Priced at $188

Powered by Oculus, the gear VR with Controller is Samsung's first-ever Gear VR headset with a controller, expanding Samsung's VR ecosystem. The Gear VR with Controller allows users to be more engaged and immersed in VR content comfortably with its ergonomic and curved design. Its Touchpad provides quicker selection and interaction in VR apps, enabling various forms of motion, while the Home, Volume and Back keys located on the Controllers give users everything they need within easy reach. The Controller is also compatible with older generations of Gear VR, so users of previous Gear VR model can also get to enjoy and play any Controller compatible games on their headset.

Gear 360 (2017)

Priced at $348

Lightweight and compact with a refined design for easier use, the new Gear 360 (2017) is a 4K resolution-capable 360-degree camera that comes integrated with enhanced features for high-quality content creation. It is equipped with 8.4-megapixel image sensors and Bright Lens F2.2 on both dual fisheye lenses, creating high-resolution images for the best possible visual experience. The Gear 360 (2017) also offers 4k video recording. The Gear 360 (2017) leverages Samsung's innovative technologies and services, where users can seamlessly and easily share, view and edit their customised content.

Clarke Quay is known to be the heart of bustling nightlife in
Singapore, brilliantly lined up with lively pubs and bars. Amongst them,
our attention was drawn to the grandeur of VLV’s classical Chinese exterior
with lattice windows. VLV is a multi-concept restaurant and lounge destination
housed in a double-storey heritage conservation building that is more than 100
years old.

VLV consists of a posh club lounge on the ground level,
alfresco dining at the courtyard and riverside, as well as a classy Chinese
restaurant on the second level with private rooms.

Stepping into VLV, we were in awe with the contrasting styles
of the exterior and interior. The interior carries a contemporary touch, with
soft dim lightings and lavish furnishings. The club lounge at the ground level
has a relax vibe and is an intimate place have a few drinks and dance the night
away.

Here’s the view of the
courtyard and riverside al fresco dining area from the balcony of the restaurant.
If you prefer to enjoy the panoramic view of Singapore River while dining outdoors
and listening to live band, be sure to check out VLV’s casual and spacious courtyard!
Whereas, the Riverside al fresco dining venue offers a variety of live seafood
along with specially curated wine and spirits.

The restaurant itself is situated on the second level where
the exquisite main dining hall and three private rooms are. With the upscale
ambience and distinct character that VLV exudes, we can’t help but imagine
ourselves walking through “Shanghai Club”.

VLV was recently awarded Gold in the Best Asian Restaurant
Awards by Straits Times and Lianhe ZaoBao. In addition, their head chef, Chef
Martin Foo is renowned for his exquisite creations melding traditional Cantonese
flavours with modern techniques. With his stellar records in the F&B scene
and years of experience, we were very much excited to try out the dishes at
VLV!

Spicy Duck Rolls

First up – Spicy Duck
Rolls, an amuse-boche served on
wooden spoons. It was a delectably smooth and somewhat chewy. Definitely kept
us eager to find out what’s for the rest of the course!

Start the
'Journey' set menu off with a "crunch"! Instead of the usual salted
skin pork belly, why not give this pork belly with red onion minced chicken
paste a try? Take a bite into the crackling pork belly and feel the growing
spicy sensation that shakes your senses up. Pairing with a tasty seaweed rice
cracker, which is also crunchy, helps neutralizes the taste buds.

VLV Peking Duck (Half)

It wasn't
just a feast for our tummies but also for our eyes. The chef came to meet us at
our table and we watched him skillfully slice the crispy roasted skin off
the Peking duck, revealing the juiciness of the duck meat!

The Peking
Duck was served with traditional condiments like thin-sliced cucumbers,
scallions, avocados, lettuce, steamed pancakes, crispy thin beancurd skin and
sauces. VLV has specially served it with hoisin sauce as well as foie gras
truffle paste. The foie gras sauce was tastefully refreshing, and if I were to
pick between the two sauces, I would still go with the traditional sweet hoisin
sauce. The remaining of the duck is brought back to the kitchen to be shredded
and stir-fried for an upcoming dish!

Shark Cartilage Soup,
Bamboo Fungus, baby cabbage

Don't be
misled by its simple look! This pale and milky soup contains rich flavours
after hours of simmering. Stirring the soup, you'll find wolfberries, baby
fungus and baby cabbage. The tender Shark Cartilage just adds more nutrition
into this bowl of goodness, drink up!

Baked Fish Fillet with
Black Olive and White Wine Butter Sauce

This is no ordinary baked fish fillet - Cut through
the batter and hear the satisfying 'crack', promising a welcome contrast
against the smoothness of the fish, now bathed in smooth white wine butter
sauce and black olives.

Crispy Sakura Chicken

My favourite - Yet again, VLV displays their
mastery of perfected crispy skin! The chicken meat is sweet (go for the
boneless cuts) and the skin is peppered with sesame. Dip the chicken into the
surprising spring onion paste - and there you have it - the perfect dish!

Sautéed
Fragrant Tansy with Sakura Ebi

This generous portion of sautéed fragrant tansy is loaded
with crispy dried Sakura shrimps to boost the umami flavour. The aromatic
vegetable is slightly garlicky and the texture is wonderfully silky. I love how
this hearty dish is punctuated with crunchiness and a good balance of flavours.

Look forward and save some space for this tantalising
stringy braised noodle with shredded duck meat freshly served! Tuck into the
saucy, wok-fried noodle and thin sliced duck meat that’s sure to satiate. You
can sense the wok-hei flavour as you savour each bite and this dish delivers
just the right amount of saltiness.

Mango
Pomelo Sago

Take your dessert to the next level. VLV has
innovatively recreate this popular dessert, Mango Pomelo Sago and have it
served smoking cold, in a coconut! All ingredients blend nicely together and
the result is a rich, creamy, refreshing and sweet dessert! It was a good end
to the sumptuous meal!

VLV introduces 3 New Lunch Sets!

VLV has launched three
new Lunch sets, specially crafted by Head Chef Martin Foo. These Lunch Sets are
perfect for a mid-day escapade with friends and colleagues!

Available at VLV on weekdays 12pm to 3pm:

'Creations' Lunch Set

$48 ++ per person (minimum 2 persons)

Calling out to those who desire a lighter meal! The 'Creations' Lunch Set starts off with a trilogy of Chef's signature Dim Sum dishes, namely Prawn Dumpling 'Ha Gao', Fish and Mushroom dumpling and VLV's specialty Singapore Chili Crab Bun.